Modalities of Treatment 

Addiction Treatment Modalities

Addiction is a complex and deeply personal experience. Effective treatment must be flexible, inclusive, and rooted in evidence-based care. At our organization, we offer a range of clinical, peer-led, and harm-reduction modalities that recognize the dignity and humanity of every individual on their journey to wellness.

1. Individual Therapy

One-on-one counselling allows clients to explore the root causes of addiction, including trauma, mental health, and emotional regulation. Modalities may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

2. Group Therapy

Group sessions create space for shared healing, connection, and peer support. These are facilitated by clinicians or trained peers and focus on recovery education, relapse prevention, and emotional growth.

3. Peer Support

Led by individuals with lived experience, peer support offers mentorship, hope, and a non-judgmental perspective. It is especially powerful in breaking down stigma and fostering community.

4. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For those with opioid use disorder and other substance dependencies, medications such as Suboxone, Methadone, and Naltrexone can be life-saving when combined with counseling and support.

5. Harm Reduction Modalities

Harm reduction meets individuals where they are, supporting safer choices without requiring abstinence as a condition for care. Our harm reduction services include:

• Safer Supply Programs – Providing access to pharmaceutical-grade alternatives to toxic street drugs.

• Supervised Consumption & Safe Injection Services – Offering a safe space for use, reducing overdose and infection risks.

• Naloxone Distribution & Overdose Prevention – Training and access to life-saving tools.

• Housing First & Supportive Housing – Recognizing that stable housing is foundational to health and recovery.

• Basic Needs & Safer Use Supplies – Providing sterile equipment, hygiene kits, and food security support.

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – Supporting individuals in reducing or quitting tobacco use through access to patches, gum, lozenges, and education.

• 6. Holistic Therapies

• Healing happens on many levels. We integrate mindfulness, Indigenous healing practices, art and music therapy, yoga, and nature-based approaches to foster balance and wellness.

• 7. Trauma-Informed Care

• Understanding the connection between trauma and substance use is essential. We ensure all care is provided with safety, empathy, and respect for each person’s lived experience.

• 8. Family & Community Support

• Addiction affects families and communities. We offer family counseling and support systems that help rebuild relationships and create stronger social networks.

• 9. Self-Help Groups

• Peer-led recovery groups are an essential part of ongoing support for many individuals. We help clients connect with:

• 12-Step Programs – Such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and others.

• SMART Recovery – A science-based program focused on self-empowerment and CBT principles.

• Sober Faction – A peer-run, harm reduction–oriented recovery community.

• Refuge Recovery, LifeRing, and other alternative support groups – Based on mindfulness, secular frameworks, or personalized recovery philosophies.

• 10. Case Management & Aftercare

Our team assists with housing, employment, education, healthcare navigation, and relapse prevention—ensuring ongoing support beyond the initial treatment phase.

Putting It All Together

• Although Alpha House is an abstinence-based program, we recognize that recovery is a journey—one that looks different for everyone. That’s why we work directly with our harm reduction partners to create a continuum of care that meets people where they’re at and supports them in reaching their goals safely and effectively.

• While treatment modalities are often categorized separately, they work best when combined. A person might receive individual counselling, attend peer support groups, access safer supply services, and engage in holistic healing—all as part of one integrated care plan. This flexibility allows us to support the whole person, not just the addiction.

• Every modality has purpose and value, but some may be more or less effective depending on the unique needs and goals of the individual. Suppose you or someone you care about is exploring options for Substance Use Disorder treatment. In that case, it’s important to identify your ultimate goal—whether that’s abstinence, harm reduction, or something in between—so that the right combination of services can be mapped out to support success.

We’re here to help guide that process with compassion, respect and lived experience.